6-Day Myanmar Introduction

Downloaded on: 10 Oct 2021

Tour code: PKMCMMIB Tour type

( Private )

Tour Level: Relaxed / Easy Tour Comfort: Standard Tour Period: 6 Days

English,French,German,Russian,Spanish Mandalay, Bagan, Yangon highlights tour details

Wander through the Maha Aungmye Bonzan monastery Commencing in Mandalay, you'll begin with a visit to Innwa where Take a trip down the Ayeyarwady River you'll explore the ancient city walls, the Maha Aungmye Bonzan & See the famous Shwezigon Pagoda Bagaya Kyaung monasteries and visit Sagaing. Returning across the Explore the lively Bogyoke (Scott) Market Ayeyarwady River to Amarapura, you'll then enjoy a sunset stroll on U Soak up the views from atop Mandalay Hill Bein Bridge. Other Mandalay attractions include the Mahamuni Admire Bagan's tallest temple Pagoda, Shwe-im-bin monastery and a tapestry workshop. In Bagan you'll visit Nyaung Oo, Shwezigon & Gubyaukgyi. Next you'll explore the Ananda & Thatbyinnyu Temple, a lacquerware factory and the Nanpaya Temple. Other tour highlights include the Yokesone Monastery at Salay and the Ayeyarwady River at Payathonzu. You'll end your tour in Yangon with visits to Chinatown, the Indian quarter, Sule Pagoda, Bogyoke Market, Kandawgyi Lake, Shwedagon Pagoda and the City Hall. why choose this tour?

An introductory tour for the first-time travellers to get a glimpse of Myanmar with the most important destinations, its friendly people and unspoilt culture Exploring the former royal capital Mandalay and the old cultural cities just beyond the outskirt area Sightseeing in the stunning pagodas-filled Bagan with loads of ancient architectures and historical background Escaping out to the rural countryside area of Bagan with visit to Mount Popa and Salay Lecture on intriguing belief and culture of 37 Burmese nats (spirits)

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tour description

Day 1 : MANDALAY ARRIVAL- AVA - SAGAING - AMARAPURA - MANDALAY (-/L/-)

Arrival at Mandalay airport. From Mandalay, drive towards the former royal capital of Innwa (Ava) located on an island between the Ayeyarwady and the Myitnge Rivers. A local ferry carries you to the island where your horse cart and driver await you - no cars are allowed here. Pass through the ancient city walls to visit the brick and stucco monastery of Maha Aungmye Bonzan (also known as Ok Kyaung) before continuing to the impressive wooden monastery of Bagaya Kyaung. If time permits, visit some village homes to see local handicrafts such as silk weaving, cane mats and alms bowls. Lunch will be served at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit picturesque Sagaing, perhaps the living centre of Buddhist faith in Myanmar today. The hills here are dotted with numerous pagodas and monasteries. Return across the Ayeyarwady River to the third former capital, Amarapura, via the Ava Bridge, built by British engineers. Take a sunset stroll on U Bein Bridge, which at over a kilometre is believed to be the longest teak bridge in the world. Return to your hotel in Mandalay. Accommodation at Hotel Sakura Princess (Superior Room) or similar, Mandalay.

Day 2 : MANDALAY (B/L/-)

Optional: Oriental Ballooning's flights offer stunning bird's eye views of the world-famous archaeological site of Bagan and the mystical landscape of Mandalay. There is no better way to enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire region, with the mighty Ayeyarwady River or the former royal capital at your feet and mysterious mountains on the horizon. You will be collected from your hotel and provided with a light breakfast and safety briefing while the balloons inflate, before enjoying a sunrise flight lasting just under one hour. Oriental Ballooning is operated by qualified European or UK pilots and technicians who are all registered in the United Kingdom. Cameron Balloons Ltd., the world's largest manufacturer of high quality balloons, manufactures the equipment.

Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Mandalay, a highlight of which is the Mahamuni Pagoda, home to a spectacular Buddha image covered with thick layers of gold leaves. Near the river lies visit Shwe-im-bin, a wooden monastery over 100 years old which is known for its lovely carving. Stop at local workshops to see Kalaga tapestries being made, gold leaf being beaten into paper-thin pieces, stone carving and bronze casting. Lunch will be served at Daung Lann Gyi Typical Myanmar Food. Mid-afternoon, you'll take a trishaw ride to Kuthodaw Pagoda, where the Theravada Buddhist scriptures are inscribed on 729 marble slabs, giving rise to its nickname 'the world's largest book'. Next visit beautiful teak-carved Shwenandaw Monastery, the only Royal Palace building to survive World War II bombing. At Kyaukdawgyi Pagoda you'll see a large Buddha statue carved out of a single block of local marble. Atop Mandalay Hill lie glittering glass-studded temple walls which reflect the evening glow as you watch the sunset. Afterwards, visit Shwe Kyin Monastery to observe student monks start their evening prayers. Accommodation at Hotel Sakura Princess (Superior Room) or similar, Mandalay.

Day 3 : MANDALAY - BAGAN (B/L/-)

Transfer to Mandalay airport for domestic flight to Bagan. Full day sightseeing tour, starting with the busy local market at Nyaung U. Continue with visits to a selection of the most important pagodas and temples such as Shwezigon, Bagan's most important reliquary shrine - look out for images of the 37 'nats' (spirits) housed in a small hall - and Gubyaukgyi (Wetkyi-Inn village), a 'cave' temple with fine frescoes of the 'Jataka Tales'. Next stop is Htilominlo, the last Bamar-style temple built in Bagan, which boasts old murals and friezes. Your visit continues to Ananda Temple, a masterpiece of Mon-style architecture with four huge standing Buddhas and an adjacent brick monastery with well-preserved 18th century murals. Stop for a photo of Bagan's tallest temple; 61 metre-high Thatbyinnyu, known as the 'temple of omniscience' and dating from 1144. Lunch will be served at Sunset Garden Restaurant.

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Next visit Moe Moe Lacquer ware factory where you'll learn how this delicate art is made. Sightseeing continues with visits to Manuha Temple, built in the Mon style in 1059; Nanpaya Temple, a unique sandstone monument said to have been the palace of King Manuha, and Gubyaukgyi (Myingaba) under the protection of UNESCO and noted for its ancient mural paintings. Enjoy sunset at one of the monuments along Ayeyarwady River. Accommodation at Villa Bagan (Superior Room Without View) or similar, Bagan. (Period until 30 April 2019) Accommodation at Villa Bagan (Superior Room With View) or similar, Bagan. (Period 01 May 2019 - 30 September 2019)

Day 4 : BAGAN - POPA - SALAY- BAGAN (B/L/-)

Optional: There is no better or more spectacular view of the ancient kingdom of Bagan than from a hot air balloon. This world-famous archaeological site of more than a thousand Buddhist temples scattered over a plain is at its best when seen from a bird's eye vantage, as the sun comes up gently over the Ayeyarwady River. You will be collected from your hotel and provided with a light breakfast and safety briefing while the balloons inflate, before enjoying a dawn flight lasting just under one hour. Flights operate daily from October through March.

Full day to explore the countryside around Bagan. From your hotel drive to Mount Popa (46km, about 1hour), home to Myanmar's intriguing 'nats' (spirits). The 777 steps to the top of Mount Popa provide an energetic climb rewarded by fabulous views from the top. Lunch will be served at Popa Garden Resort. In the afternoon, drive to the town of Kyaukpadaung and visit the local market before continuing to Salay. Visit Yokesone Monastery, built on 154 teak posts and known for its 130-year-old beautiful wooden carvings of the 'Jataka Tales' (stories from the Buddha's life) which decorate the outer walls. (The monastery is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays). Continue to Payathonzu, a complex of three brick shrines with mural paintings from the Bagan period, and see Man Paya - a large lacquer Buddha image, said to date from the 13th century. Return to Bagan through Chauk (53km, about 1hour), where you will see old Burma Oil installations ('nodding donkeys'), and the banks of the Ayeyarwady River. Arrive in Bagan and transfer to hotel. Accommodation at Villa Bagan (Superior Room Without View) or similar, Bagan. (Period until 30 April 2019) Accommodation at Villa Bagan (Superior Room With View) or similar, Bagan. (Period 01 May 2019 - 30 September 2019)

Day 5 : BAGAN - YANGON (B/L/-)

Transfer to Nyaung U (Bagan) Airport for domestic flight to Yangon. Start your sightseeing with a drive to the famous Strand Road and visit the bustling Yangon harbour, where ferries leave for Pathein in the Delta and upcountry towns along the Ayeyarwady River. Visit Botathaung Pagoda, close to Yangon River and said to contain Buddha relics. You then drive through the colonial-historical district, Chinatown, and the Indian quarter. Make a photo stop at the gilded Sule Pagoda, dating back over 2,000 years, and a landmark in central Yangon. Lunch at Pansuriya Restaurant. In the afternoon, visit to Bogyoke (Scott) Market (closed on Mondays and Public Holidays) gives you the opportunity to see Myanmar's wide range of handicrafts and souvenirs. Stop alongside Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake to take photographs over the lake towards Karaweik Hall and the Shwedagon. Enjoy the sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda, famous worldwide - its golden stupa is the 'heart' of Buddhist Myanmar. The Pagoda is believed to be 2,500 years old and the central stupa in surrounded by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues. It is always full of people praying and making offerings, and is a fascinating place to spend time watching the world go by. Return to your hotel. Accommodation at Hotel G (Good Room) or similar, Yangon.

Day 6 : YANGON - HERITAGE WALK - DEPARTURE (B/L/-)

Yangon retains one of the most complete ensembles of colonial architecture in the world. This walking tour in Yangon reveals some of the heritage buildings and the rich history of their functions and inhabitants up to the present day.

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Transfer from your hotel to Yangon City Hall, located at the heart of the colonial-era city. Built in 1936 by Myanmar architect U Tin, it is a massive building with traditional tiered roofs, a combination of European design and engineering technology with traditional Myanmar flourishes. Nearby is the former Immigration Department. This building was designed in 1910 to be the country's most upmarket department store, Rowe & Company. With its corner tower and top-floor balconettes, the structure retains an air of its former opulence. Proceed to the High Court, a 1911 brick building designed by the architect John Ransome, and another outstanding example of the grand Imperial style. Continue to Strand Road, home to the three-storey former New Law Courts, built in 1931 with an imposing colonnade of Ionic columns. Next stop is the 1916 Custom House, a large building with an elegant white tower and double-faced clock above the entrance. The Art Deco period Myanma Port Authority is noted for its imposing square corner tower, wave-inspired stuccowork, and bas-relief sculptures of sailing vessels. The former Irrawaddy Flotilla Company's graceful white building and colonnaded fa'e7ade is another landmark. Walk past the red brick General Post Office to the luxurious Strand Hotel, built in 1901 by the Sarkies brothers, Armenian hoteliers. Here you'll enjoy well-earned refreshments (non-alcoholic) in the Bar, and later, transfer back to your hotel. Lunch at Shan Yoe Yar Restaurant. The Diethelm Travel tour guide and car remain at the clients' disposal for further sightseeing or shopping until transfer back to Yangon International Airport for departure flight. customise the tour

Extend your stay and take a break at beautiful Ngapali beach Opportunity to purchase souvenirs at local markets and workshops Oil lamps lighting event at Shwedagon Pagoda Enjoy sunset boat tour in Taungthaman lake near U Bein bridge (seasonal) Unlimited photo opportunities throughout the trip includes excludes

All sightseeing tour and transfer services with private air Domestic airfare (Mandalay-Bagan-Yangon) conditioned car/coach as detailed in our itinerary Myanmar visa fee Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast and L=Lunch) Surcharges for throughout guides (English and other languages) All entrance fees for the places as mentioned in the programme Optional Balloons flights in Mandalay and Bagan Transfers and tours with English-speaking locally-stationed Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, guides camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc. Trishaw in Mandalay Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme Service charges, room tax and baggage handling Drinks with meals Accommodation at hotels as above mentioned or similar Compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and peak Filtered drinking water and wet towels during the tour season surcharges which will be advised at the time of booking (Peak season in general is between 15 December to 15 January and 13-17 April Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation, in the event of accident or

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illness) notes

Hotel prices for packages are quoted bases on hotels as mentioned or similar. Higher or lower categories can be requested and the price will be adjusted. The hotels featured in the package tour are subject to availabilities at the time of booking. Meals at respective hotels are also included in the hotel prices if the itineraries mention lunch or dinner at hotel. Additional charges during Festive Season: Christmas, New Year and the Water festival period may apply. Supplements for compulsory Gala Dinners will be advised at the time of booking. All hotels have special booking and deposit conditions and will be indicated at the time of booking. Nonrefundable deposits may be required. Domestic airfares are quoted separately and subject to change in case of increases imposed by the airlines (ie. taxes, fuel costs, etc.). There are 8 different airlines operating on the domestic route in Myanmar. Each company has slight different airfares and this pricelist is based on average airfare. Diethelm Travel will book the most convenient and direct routing. The final price can be confirmed once the tickets are booked and issued depending on available booking class and seat availability.

Contact [email protected] www.diethelmtravel.com